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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Diana Mansour
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
BACKGROUND: The use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) was significantly reduced following the publication of the Women's Health Initiative study results and has remained low ever since. However, from 2015 onwards, the UK has seen a substantial increase in MHT prescribing compared to other European countries. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the factors contributing to the shift in women's and healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perception of MHT in the United Kingdom and to provide learning points for other European countries. DESIGN: An exploratory, descriptive and qualitative study. METHODS: An interactive virtual panel discussion in which seven UK-based HCPs with a special interest in the menopause discussed the evolution of its management in the United Kingdom. RESULTS: In the last 8 years, there has been a substantial increase in MHT prescriptions in the United Kingdom due to improved menopause awareness and acceptance of MHT. Accessibility to accurate, scientific, information and guidance from respected institutions is one of the main drivers of this change. Social media has increased that reach with 'influencers' empowering women to seek help. Women are demanding access to menopause health care so that they can receive holistic and individualized treatment based on their clinical conditions and needs. Standardized education of HCPs is an essential pillar to provide appropriate and equitable care to menopausal women and to guarantee safe prescribing of MHT. Furthermore, up to date and factually correct menopausal education would benefit all the population. CONCLUSIONS: Publication of new scientific data reporting a more favourable benefit/risk ratio with MHT, production of national guidance and an increased awareness via social media have led to the significant rise in MHT prescribing and improvement of menopause care in the United Kingdom. The lessons learned may benefit other European countries.
Author(s): Mansour D, Barber K, Chalk G, Noble N, Digpal AAS, Talaulikar V, Gray S
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Women's Health
Year: 2024
Volume: 20
Online publication date: 08/10/2024
Acceptance date: 13/09/2024
Date deposited: 21/10/2024
ISSN (print): 1745-5057
ISSN (electronic): 1745-5065
Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057241288641
DOI: 10.1177/17455057241288641
Data Access Statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
PubMed id: 39378060
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